"They were in big, big trouble," said Seaside Heights lifeguard Capt. Rob Connor. It was the second rescue in four days by Seaside Heights lifeguards.

Seaside Heights lifeguards responded into Seaside Park because there are no lifeguards on duty there during the week, Connor said.

The swimmers, identified only as two women in their 20s, were swimming near the M Street beach in Seaside Park, Connor said. Lifeguards in Seaside Heights were getting ready to go home for the day when one lifeguard saw the swimmers in distress at 4:45 p.m. off Seaside Park, Connor said.

"They were about a half mile away but we ended up getting to them quickly," Connor said.